Is it ok to shrinkwrap over the aluminum camper top frame? Got some work to do on the boat over the winter and I'd like to not have to crwal around under the lower back portion of the wrap. Or should I just have the wrap guy build be a higher wooden frame??
Shrinkwrapping over Camper Top Frame
- Thread starter mikev324
- Start date
I agree. The snow needs to be able to slide off. It can get pretty heavy and could cause damage.
I also want to get some work done inside the boat over the winter. I plan to ask whoever does the shrinkwrap to put it up as high as possible, and put a door in it.
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I'm not dissagreeing with spj, hell, he does this for a living. The design of the boat, beam, and how the shrinkwrap is setup may make this feasible on some boats. I've done this to a 1989 Regal 255xl with 8'6" beam successfully.
I had this done to mine a couple of years ago. So far it has survived 2 seasons. I had the same situation where I needed to do some work and didn't want a cramped space to work in. I spoke with my local shrinkwrapper and he thought it would be O.K. He did support both hoops with 2X2's on each side so it couldn't be crushed. He also installed a support post (2X2) right in front of the windshield that was fairly high and then sloped down to the camper hoops. The wrap never had more than a dusting on it. Good luck!
I had this done to mine a couple of years ago. So far it has survived 2 seasons. I had the same situation where I needed to do some work and didn't want a cramped space to work in. I spoke with my local shrinkwrapper and he thought it would be O.K. He did support both hoops with 2X2's on each side so it couldn't be crushed. He also installed a support post (2X2) right in front of the windshield that was fairly high and then sloped down to the camper hoops. The wrap never had more than a dusting on it. Good luck!
Kindered,
Bottom line, the 2x2 will take the weight of the snow, where the frame may not. the key in your setup is the 2x2 infront of the windshield giving enough slope (and lots of head room) so any snow slide off the back of the boat.
I would do the same for customers, but I would skip the frame, just on the odd chance that something happens it to the 2x2's and strapping instead of the bimini frame.
Bottom line, the 2x2 will take the weight of the snow, where the frame may not. the key in your setup is the 2x2 infront of the windshield giving enough slope (and lots of head room) so any snow slide off the back of the boat.
I would do the same for customers, but I would skip the frame, just on the odd chance that something happens it to the 2x2's and strapping instead of the bimini frame.
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That's why they invented Strip Clubs..
Thinkbruce
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Leave the frame up and use posts with strapping to build a peak over the hoops. This way the corners of the hoops will keep the shrink pushed outward - and snow will still slide off. Of course any flat surface will be subject to added weight. Any shrink wrap guy should be able to figure it out specifically for your boat.
I like Bruce's idea, and it just happens that he's from PA too. I've often had difficulty keeping the shrink wrap out far enough off of my cockpit gunwales to be able to do any meaningful work outside of the engine compartment. I would think that if you built your posts at least a couple or three feet above the hoops of your frame that should be sufficient for "snow slide" and provide more interior room for working over the winter. Hope it worked out for you, let us know.